Privacy and Redaction
Q1. What does "redact" mean?
A1. "Redact" means to cover up or remove text from a document.
Q2. Can all UCC records be seen by the public?
A2. Yes. All records are open to the public, including all of the information and attachments associated with the filing.
The only exception to this are records that have had tax identification numbers redacted. In these cases, only the tax identification number has been obscured- all other information associated with that record is available.
Q3. What information has been redacted from UCC records?
A3. Depending on the date of filing, social security numbers, individual taxpayer identification numbers, and some employer identification numbers were removed from publicly-available copies of UCC records. As of June 2, 2009, redaction is limited to social security numbers and individual taxpayer identification numbers.
Q4. What is a tax identification number?
A4. A tax identification number is a number used by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and state tax agencies in the administration of tax laws.
For UCC recording purposes, a tax identification number is a group of numbers in a UCC record that we consider likely to be a social security number or individual tax identification number.
Q5. How do I know if information has been redacted from a filing?
A5. A black box may appear in the document, or it may have a stamp with the words "Information Redacted", or "SSN removed".
Q6. I included a number in my filing. It was redacted, but it's not a tax number. How can I get the redaction removed?
A6. You can request that the information be restored by contacting us at at 303-894-2200 or firstname.lastname@example.org.
Q7. I put a social security number in my document, but it wasn't redacted. How can I get that number redacted?
A7. You can request that the information be redacted by contacting us at 303-894-2200 or email@example.com.
Q8. Are social security numbers ever required?
A8. An effective financing statement (EFS) requires the last four digits of the debtor's social security number. When you enter the last four digits of an SSN, a "unique identifier" is created for that debtor.
A unique identifier is a 10-digit number that is used as a substitute for a social security number or employer identification number in our records.
We don't keep the last four digits of the social security number on record.
Q9. How do I get an unredacted copy of a record?
A9. To see unredacted copies:
- Create or log in to a user account.
- Click on "Standard search."
- Enter the debtor's name (either an organization or an individual).
- Click on "Search."
- On the Search Results page, place checkmarks next to the records that you want to include.
- Click on "View Images."
- Click on "Certify."
The PDF that appears after you click on "Certify" will include an unredacted copy of the document.